‘The Rez We Live On’

By Molly Priddy, 9-11-09

In an effort to engage the youth of the tribe and answer what tribal officials call "myths" about American Indians in Montana, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe launched a new web site in as part of a new, re-education campaign.

Susan Doherty, who works the public relations for the new campaign, said it was created to dispel the "top 10 myths" about American Indians.

The web site, http://www.therezweliveon.com offer,s an interactive look at answers to various questions, allowing visitors to peruse interesting topics such as college education, government checks and different laws.

In a press release, campaign directors say it is targeted at all generations:

According to CSKT Communications Director Robert McDonald, the goal is to reach everyone, especially the media-savvy younger generation. “Young people and new residents in the area may be more open to the Tribe’s message. But the fact is that lifelong residents of the reservation may not have heard a lot of this information either.”

McDonald believes that passed-on misinformation has been the norm for so long that, “it’s hard for people to know what is the actual truth. We’re hopeful that this campaign will help people understand CSKT by knowing the facts. Maybe this will start a healthy dialogue.”

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